Method and device for improving cardiac function

Abstract

In a method for improving cardiac function, a compressive device is inserted into an intrapericardial space about a lower end portion of a heart. Thereafter the compressive device is operated to compress and close off lower portions of both ventricles of the heart.

1. A method for improving cardiac function, comprising:
 inserting a tensile member into a patient; and 
 inserting said tensile member into the patient's heart so as to bring opposite walls of each ventricle of the heart into contact with one another to thereby constrict and close off lower portions of both ventricles of the heart. 
 
     
     
       2. The method defined in  claim 1 , further comprising anchoring said tensile member to opposing myocardial sidewalls. 
     
     
       3. The method defined in  claim 2  wherein the anchoring of said tensile member including placing a flanged element of said tensile member in contact with myocardial tissues. 
     
     
       4. The method defined in  claim 2  wherein said the anchoring of said tensile member includes placing a barbed element in contact with myocardial tissues. 
     
     
       5. The method defined in  claim 1  wherein said tensile member is a tack, the inserting of said tack including ejecting said tack from a tubular member. 
     
     
       6. The method defined in  claim 5  wherein the inserting of said tack includes aiming said tack at an outer surface of the heart. 
     
     
       7. The method defined in  claim 1  wherein the inserting of said tensile member includes passing said tensile member through a trocar sleeve or cannula. 
     
     
       8. The method defined in  claim 1  wherein the inserting of said tensile member includes:
 inserting a catheter into a ventricle of the patient's heart; 
 ejecting said tensile member from said catheter into the patient's myocardium so that said tensile member is anchored to the myocardium; and 
 exerting tension on said tensile member to pull opposing walls of the patient's heart towards one another so as to compress and close off lower portions of both ventricles of the heart. 
 
     
     
       9. A method for reducing ventricular volume, comprising:
 inserting a flexible catheter into a ventricle of a patient's heart; 
 deploying a cardiac insert or implant from a leading end of said catheter; and 
 disposing said cardiac insert or implant in the patient's heart to bring opposite walls of at least one ventricle of the heart into contact with one another to thereby reduce the volume of the at least one ventricle of the patient's heart. 
 
     
     
       10. The method defined in  claim 9  wherein said cardiac insert or implant is a tensile member, further comprising attaching said tensile member to the patient's heart, and exerting tension on said tensile member to draw the walls of the at least one ventricle towards one another. 
     
     
       11. The method defined in  claim 10  wherein said tensile member is provided with at least one barb at a leading end, the attaching of said tensile member to the patient's heart including embedding said barb in the patient's heart. 
     
     
       12. The method defined in  claim 10  wherein said tensile member is one of two tensile members, further comprising attaching the other tensile member to the patient's heart, the exerting of tension on said one of said tensile members including twisting the tensile members about one another. 
     
     
       13. The method defined in  claim 9  wherein said catheter is inserted into the patient through the vascular system of the patient. 
     
     
       14. A method for reducing ventricular volume, comprising:
 inserting a catheter into a ventricle of a patient's heart; 
 deploying a cardiac insert or implant from a leading end of said catheter while said leading end is disposed in the patient's heart; and 
 disposing said cardiac insert or implant in the patient's heart to bring opposite walls of at least one ventricle of the heart into contact with one another to thereby reduce the volume of the at least one ventricle of the patient's heart. 
 
     
     
       15. The method defined in  claim 14  wherein said cardiac insert or implant is a tensile member, further comprising attaching said tensile member to the patient's heart, and exerting tension on said tensile member to draw the walls of the at least one ventricle towards one another. 
     
     
       16. The method defined in  claim 15  wherein said tensile member is provided with at least one barb at a leading end, the attaching of said tensile member to the patient's heart including embedding said barb in the patient's heart. 
     
     
       17. The method defined in  claim 15  wherein said tensile member is one of two tensile members, further comprising attaching the other tensile member to the patient's heart, the exerting of tension on said one of said tensile members including twisting the tensile members about one another. 
     
     
       18. The method defined in  claim 14  wherein said catheter is inserted into the patient through the vascular system of the patient. 
     
     
       19. A method for reducing ventricular volume, comprising:
 inserting a catheter through a patient's vascular system into a ventricle of the patient's heart; 
 deploying a cardiac insert or implant from a leading end of said catheter; and 
 disposing said cardiac insert or implant in the patient's heart to bring opposite walls of at least one ventricle of the heart into contact with one another to thereby reduce the volume of the at least one ventricle of the patient's heart. 
 
     
     
       20. The method defined in  claim 19  wherein said cardiac insert or implant is a tensile member, further comprising attaching said tensile member to the patient's heart, and exerting tension on said tensile member to draw walls of the patient's heart towards one another.